Published: 30th July 2025.
Last updated: 30th July 2025.
Author: St John Ambulance.

 

 

When Debbie Smith collapsed a short while after developing a headache, her daughter Emily saved her life.

Finding her mum on the bathroom floor, Emily immediately called 999.

“It was really surreal,” she says. “Mum looked like she was going to vomit while unresponsive, which I knew was dangerous. I cleared her airways and rolled her into the recovery position. I then noticed that her jaw was locked, so I suspected a seizure.”

Debbie had, in fact, suffered an uncommon type of stroke and was taken to hospital for surgery. Today, she has made a full recovery, something she credits to her daughter’s quick thinking and first aid skills, learned as a St John Ambulance cadet.

“There is no doubt that I wouldn’t have made the amazing recovery I have, if Emily had not known what to do,” Debbie says.

 

The dual benefit of buying from St John Ambulance

Debbie and Emily’s story demonstrates the important role first aid plays in our communities. Every year, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents across the UK and, according to the NHS, many deaths could be prevented if first aid were given before emergency services arrive.

But charities such as St John Ambulance dedicated to spreading this vital knowledge are facing financial pressures and an economic landscape that’s marked by the cost-of-living crisis and high rates of inflation.

That’s why investing in St John Ambulance first aid training and equipment is so important. When you buy from St John Ambulance, you’re not just getting high-quality courses and products; you’re contributing to the funding of its charitable work. This supports the training of volunteers, community outreach and emergency response efforts nationwide, helping to build stronger, safer communities for everyone.

 

Supporting vital work in communities

Funds from purchasing training courses and first aid supplies help equip volunteers with the kit they need, teach first aid and other skills to young people and provide specialist ambulance services across England.

It all adds up. Alongside supporting thousands of events of all sizes, including the London Marathon, St John Ambulance services add capacity that relieves pressure on the NHS. In 2024, this included providing 245,652 hours of critical care support and transporting 15,530 patients in St John Ambulance’s fleet of critical care vehicles.

But this is not just about helping out today – many of the young people trained by St John Ambulance go on to become adult volunteers or join a career in the health service.

St John Ambulance volunteer George was one of those young people. After becoming involved in the organisation as a Cadet, he found learning and delivering first aid so rewarding that he completely rethought his career goals, moving from music to medicine.

 

Small amounts, big impact

George was helping as a sound and light technician at a local summer club when he noticed St John Ambulance providing first aid cover at the event. Intrigued, he decided to join up – and today he offers care for patients as a volunteer Emergency Transport Attendant.

He has also studied Paramedic Science and says his volunteer role with St John Ambulance has allowed him to combine his degree with the skills needed to form a good rapport with patients. “University has taught me the advanced medical interventions,” he says, “but they are of no use if I can’t win a patient’s trust and help them to remain calm in stressful situations.”

George also supports other volunteers by organising training events, where senior St John Ambulance clinicians speak on topics such as pre-hospital childbirth and major incident management. This ripple effect starts with training courses and equipment purchased from St John Ambulance.

 

An investment for the future

George has a promising career as a paramedic ahead of him, while Emily’s fast action to save her mum was recognised by HRH The Princess Royal at the St John Ambulance Young Achievers awards.

Their stories are two among many that show the power of community first aid. St John Ambulance has been part of communities in England for almost 150 years, and while it may be a difficult time for charities, it continues to invest in its volunteers and services.

Booking a first aid course or buying first aid equipment isn’t just an investment in personal safety – it’s a vital contribution to St John Ambulance’s life-saving work. Our commercial operations help fund training, resources and emergency services, ensuring that people like George and Emily can continue supporting communities long into the future.